Given the intensity of motocross and other dirt bike recreation, it's hard to believe that the first helmets were merely made of leather. Thankfully, today we can protect our brains, faces, ears, and eyes with quality dirt bike helmets backed by decades of scientific research and experience. Whatever adrenaline rush you choose, there is a dirt bike helmet that can fit comfortably into your active lifestyle!

Dirt Bike Helmets: What’s the Difference?

Since the first patented motorcycle helmet in 1953, technological advancements have made it possible for riders of all kinds to enjoy higher speeds with confidence. When beginning your search for a new helmet, the choices can be a little intimidating. There are many choices, styles, features, and price ranges to choose from. Since they are not a cheap investment, potential riders need to be sure that they get exactly what they need and want.

Due to the increased frequency of dangerous activities attempted by off-road riders, there are added protective features that have become standard in off-road helmets. Dirt bike and ATV helmets tend to be very similar in their style and build, but they differ a lot from other DOT and ECE approved helmets in a few specific ways:

• Full Skull Coverage / Ventilation
• Upgraded Chin Guards
• Collar Bone Protection
• Emergency Release Features
• Larger Facial Openings
• Debris Protection
• Lighter Weights
• Filtered Breathing Vents
• Increased Auditory Functions

Popular Dirt Bike Helmet Styles

Many manufacturers and sellers will try to help consumers choose what dirt bike helmet would work best for them by providing some insight on the most beneficial uses for each style. Even with all of the special features that dirt bike helmets intrinsically have, there are still more distinct features that can be amplified depending on intended use. For example, let’s say that two dirt bike riders were given the same helmet. While one was planned to race in Florida, the other was sent to North Dakota. Depending on the type of dirt bike helmet given, someone’s going to be a little upset.

For a more welcomed riding experience riders should think about what kind of activities they will be doing and where they will be doing them. Potential riders need to be prepared to choose from categories like:

• Adventure / General Recreation
• Communication / Chatter
• Dirt / Racing / Trails
• Snow / Cold-Weather
• Street / Motorcycle / DOT
• Youth / Young Riders

Top Brands for Dirt Bike Helmets

Of the many dirt bike helmet manufacturers around today, the best brands are available here at ZM Performance. The following are a few of our most popular brands!

Alpinestars has been an icon in the dirt bike and motocross industry for decades. Starting their journey as motocross boot makers in 1963, Alpinestars has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of all motocross products across the globe! With offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Italy, Alpinestars is a huge competitor in the race for the best dirt bike helmets.

As one of the first companies to create bluetooth headpieces back in 2003, Cardo has become a top competitor for bluetooth communication for recreational riders of all kinds. Today, Cardo makes it easy for dirt bike riders to listen to music, communicate clearly, and end calls without letting go of the handle bars. Cardo offers single user setups and multi-user setups that work seamlessly regardless of distance.

Since 1998, the Fly Racing company has been gaining momentum quickly, and they don’t seem to have any sign of slowing. Their success can be attributed to their modern style, massive selection, technological advancements and ever increasing attention to detail.

Not for the timid, Highway 21 is predominantly made for the thrill seekers of the open road. With the classic biker look, pave riders can enjoy a great selection of stylish outerwear, top of the line protective riding boots, half and three-quarter shell helmets, and other skull adorned riding accessories.

ScorpionEXO has one of the biggest, and most colorful, selections of helmets around; and their clothing section isn’t too shabby either. With helmet collections including specifications like: full-face, modular, covert, open-face, off-road, and snow, riders would be hard pressed to not find something they love. Each of these helmets are enhanced with SorpionEXO’s own unique technical features like TCT Shells, TCT Ultra, Everclear No-Fog Face Shields, and Speedview Sunvisors.

Average Price for Dirt Bike Helmet

The average price for a good dirt bike helmet will be $100-$300. This of course is dependent upon size, use, materials, desired level of protection, and any additional features that you may like. Below we discuss the typical price ranges for dirt bike helmets and the qualities of helmets you can find within each.

$50-$100

Helmets ranging from $50-$100 are commonly used for general protection during daily recreational activities whether riding on or off road. Even though helmets aren’t made for daring jumps and dirt bike races, riders should still ensure DOT compliance. Some adults may be able to find full coverage helmets at price, but the classic half shell design is the typical head coverage available to potential riders in this bracket. Helmets in this range aren’t fussy either. They come with basic ABS shells and EPS (expanded polystyrene) interiors. *There are full coverage youth helmets available within this range as well.

$100-$300

Helmets ranging from $100-$300 are also typically used for on or off-road recreation but you will have more of a choice in the available head and face coverage. In this range, riders can choose a helmet design that offers full face and skull coverage or one that provides a little more coverage than the half shell. With ¾ coverage, riders can enjoy customizable eye shields in the front with extended low skull protection in the back, as well as internal ventilation systems to keep riders cool on long rides. This range will also introduce helmets that are made with lightweight durable materials like TCT (Thermodynamic Composite Technology) that combines fiberglass, Aramid and organic poly-resin fibers.

$300-$500

Riders getting into these budget ranges are no longer looking for the typical recreational dirt bike helmet. These riders are serious, and so are the helmets. Helmets ranging from $300-$500 are meticulously made for high speeds, dangerous maneuvers, and if need be, hard hits. Dirt bike and motocross racers are the general consumers at these levels so the technology involved in creating these brain-protectors is intense. Many additional safety and protection features can be found in these full-coverage helmets. The list includes but is not limited to: collar bone protection, ERS (Emergency Release Systems), MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), and Conehead EPS Technology that addresses six critical areas of the skull involved in high speed impacts.

$500+

Helmets that carry hefty price tags of $500 or more are definitely made for the professional racer. With all of the aforementioned attributes and more, these helmets are the epitome of dirt bike helmet safety. With the professional racer in mind, these dirt bike helmets provide full face and skull coverage that also allows for great ventilation, auditory control, and quick removal for emergency situations. Included in these helmets are multi layer, adaptive impact systems with protection efforts focused towards the prevention of concussions and fractures. Enhanced with top of the line RHEON technology, these helmets help dissipate the pressure that comes with high-speed impacts.

Finding the Right Dirt Bike Helmet For You

As more and more individuals find their way to the trails, the need for high-grade DOT and ECE approved helmets is unprecedented. Whether your wheels are tearing through dusty trails, muddy race tracks, or burning rubber on asphalt, a helmet is a must. Depend on ZM Performance to bring you the best of the best for all your dirt bike and motocross needs!

One last tip before you go! When choosing the best helmet for your active lifestyle, it’s important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Be sure to measure the rider’s head accurately and research the available sizes for each style and type of dirt bike helmet they’re interested in.